In the July 2025 issue of Arkansas Money & Politics, I was deeply honored to be recognized as one of their “Trailblazing Women in Arkansas.” The printed page offers a beautiful glimpse into my journey, but as any artist or entrepreneur knows, there’s always more behind the curtain. The heart, hustle, healing, and hope that fuel my work can’t always be captured on one page.

I want to give special thanks to Heather Baker, President and Publisher of AMP and AY Magazine, whose passion for elevating Arkansas shines well beyond the pages of her publications. Heather’s leadership is about people, relationships, and real community. She nails it every time.

Thank you to Arkansas Money & Politics for the opportunity to stand among so many bold women making a difference across our state. Forging a path as a full-time musician, artist, and entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy, but every twist and turn has led to a life filled with purpose and connection.

When contacted about this, I was honored and the self-reflection that I went through when answering the questions for my feature dug into my soul and left me with deeper gratitude for all I've gone through - the ups and downs.

To every woman daring to dream big and break barriers — this is for you.

Below, I’m sharing the unedited full answers I submitted to AMP.

How did you get into your career, and how did you arrive at your current position/role?

I spent the first chapter of my adult life checking all the “right” boxes — earning a degree in Pure Mathematics, working as a Radio Frequency Engineer, and even becoming a licensed private pilot. But deep down, I always knew I was built for the stage, not the cubicle. I grew up performing in church and pageants, and music was always part of me — I just didn’t initially believe I could make it my life’s work.

In 2004, I made a calculated risk — I left my corporate job and took a leap of faith to pursue music full-time. I didn’t wait for permission or the perfect plan. I bet on myself. That decision launched a global performing career, multiple original albums, and eventually the creation of my own music business ventures, including our duo Cliff & Susan, our Entertainers Academy, and the nonprofit Piano Ladies, a sisterhood of female international piano artists and entertainers.

Did you always want to work in this industry?

Yes — I just didn’t realize it was allowed. Growing up in a small town, a career in music seemed like a dream, not a plan. But once I found the courage to try, I never looked back. Performing, connecting with people from stages, and building something meaningful through music was always in me — it just took a while to fully claim it. I took 10 years of classical piano lessons starting the age of 6, and once I heard Jerry Lee Lewis playing Boogie Woogie, I was hooked to play like that and perform. I found pageants, talent competitions, and any way to find a stage to begin performing.

What is the most challenging part of your work, and what is the most rewarding?

The most challenging part is wearing all the hats — artist, producer, marketer, strategist, mentor, leader. It’s a lot to juggle, especially in a fast-moving digital world where things are constantly changing. But the most rewarding part is knowing I’ve built a life on my own terms, doing what I love with the person I love, for people who believe in us. Helping others rise as I rise — through our academy, our nonprofit, and our platform — is what makes it all worth it.

What distinguishes you from others in your field?

I’ve carved out my own lane. I’m not just an artist — I’m an entrepreneur, educator, and community builder. I’ve created a blueprint for independent success and I’m living proof that you don’t need a record deal to make a living in music. My background in science, corporate process development, and creative storytelling gives me a rare edge — blending precision and heart, strategy and soul.

What has been the most pivotal moment in your career so far — and what made it so important to your professional journey?

Two moments stand out as career-defining. The first was when our debut album, Fiddle & Keys, charted in the Top 40 on the Apple Country Albums Chart and we performed our original music on national television. As independent artists with no label backing, those wins were proof that we belonged at the table. They validated the years of building our brand from the ground up — every mile driven, every song written, every risk taken.

The second was being named Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 Arkansas Country Music Awards. We received multiple awards that night, and that moment wasn’t just a personal win — it was a celebration of everything my husband Cliff and I have built together. Cliff is an extraordinary talent — a gifted multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter whose creative vision and work ethic are unmatched. Together, we’re not just partners in marriage — we’re a power duo in music and business.

There is nothing more fulfilling than doing what I love with the person I love, for the people we love — our fans. Cliff and I pour our hearts into every show, every song, every connection. Sharing the stage with him makes the journey more powerful, more meaningful, and more fun than I could have ever imagined.

How did your education prepare you for the work you do now, and what have you had to learn through experience instead?

My undergraduate education at the University of Central Arkansas laid an incredible foundation for everything I do today. I studied Pure Mathematics with a focus in Physics, and I had completed all the prerequisites to apply for medical school. But in my senior year, I realized that wasn’t my path. I was also accepted into the UCA Honors College, which exposed me to a broader interdisciplinary curriculum — philosophy, literature, and art history. A summer abroad studying art in Europe through a grant opened my eyes to the power of creative expression, which became a key part of my story.

Right after graduation, I entered the corporate world at Alltel Headquarters as a Radio Frequency Engineer. I worked on national projects like the E911 rollout, earned a Six Sigma Black Belt, and led process improvement initiatives that saved the company millions. That experience taught me how businesses function at scale — and gave me an edge when it came time to build and lead my own.

But nothing teaches you like doing. I’ve learned to be a successful music entrepreneur the grassroots way: grit, trial and error, and nonstop education. I’ve invested in courses, mentors, masterminds, and marketing strategy — and that commitment has allowed me not only to grow my career, but to help others do the same through my boutique marketing agency and artist development platform. The science-and-art blend in my background makes me a rare breed — wired for systems, but driven by soul.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?

Start before you're ready. Your success doesn’t depend on permission — it depends on how willing you are to trust your gut and take action. Be relentless and resourceful. Confidence doesn't show up first — it’s built through showing up, learning, and failing forward. You can have structure and soul. You don’t have to choose between being creative and being strategic, soft and strong, artistic and analytical. And if your first plan doesn't feel right anymore — pivot. You are allowed to evolve.

What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?

1. Buckle up — because my life moves fast.
2. Root yourself in gratitude and faith everyday.
3. Build in daily habits that are focused on your long-term plan.

Between managing businesses, creating content, mentoring artists, performing, producing, and leading nonprofit initiatives, it’s a full and complex ride. But it’s also beautiful, because I’ve built a life doing what I love with the person I love, in service to people who believe in us.

What keeps me grounded is my morning ritual. I start each day in gratitude with prayer, meditation, writing, and intentional wellness. It’s my quiet reset before the whirlwind. And every morning, I ask God to surprise me — and He always does. That practice helps me lead from a place of peace, purpose, and joy.

What other women in your life — friends, mentors, family members — have shaped your outlook on life?

I come from a strong matriarchal line, and I say often: everything good in me largely came from my mother and my late grandmother. They instilled in me the values I live by — integrity, hard work, kindness, grace, and eloquence. I was cut from a cloth of southern strength and quiet resilience, and I carry those qualities with me in every room I enter.

In my professional life, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by powerhouse women who are not just mentors, but collaborators and dear friends. Tammy Tanner, Jen Porter, and Desiree Irwin have each forged long, successful careers as international performing artists and businesswomen. They now serve on the board of directors for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Piano Ladies. These women have guided me through some of the hardest moments of my life — and celebrated the biggest wins beside me. We lead together, create together, and lean on one another. That kind of connection is rare and sacred.

Do you mentor/guide others in your life or workplace?

Absolutely. Mentorship is a cornerstone of everything I do. Through our Entertainers Academy, the Piano Ladies nonprofit, and informal relationships with other artists and entrepreneurs, I aim to be for others what I needed at different stages of my own journey — a sounding board, a source of belief, and someone who sees their greatness before they do.

What kinds of personal and/or professional challenges have you faced, and how did you get through them?

I’ve faced nearly every kind of challenge — from burnout, heartbreak, and reinvention, to navigating male-dominated spaces where I was underestimated or overlooked. For years, I carried the pressure of doing it all — performing, producing, managing teams, leading businesses — while also trying to be endlessly available, likable, and strong. That kind of pace isn’t sustainable without intention.

One of the biggest turning points in my life was realizing that in an industry where alcohol is everywhere, sobriety was the only way forward for me. I had to get radically honest about what was serving me — and what was slowly pulling me away from my calling. The lowest points in my life involved heartbreak, unhealthy relationships, and a version of myself I didn’t fully recognize. But those chapters also led me to healing, to clarity, and ultimately… to Cliff.

When I got healthy and aligned with who I truly was, everything changed. I found real partnership — in love, in business, and in purpose. That’s when the mission became bigger than just my success. It became about legacy, service, and creating space for others to rise too.

How has being a woman impacted the way you approach your work or deal with others in your field?

As a woman in music and business, I’ve learned to lead with both compassion and command. I’ve walked into rooms where I wasn’t taken seriously until I opened my mouth — and now, I make sure to bring other women into those rooms with me. I believe in climbing the ladder and extending a hand down while I do. That’s a major reason I founded the Piano Ladies nonprofit with three other female industry leaders — to amplify the voices, talents, and leadership of women in music around the world.

What accomplishments, personally or professionally, are you most proud of?

I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to my vision — even when it meant taking the long road, or walking it alone for a while. I built a career from scratch that blends creativity, business, service, and soul. I’m proud of our award-winning music and the fact that it’s all been done independently, with no label, no shortcuts — just belief and consistent effort.

But I’m most proud of the ripple effect. What started as a duo, “Cliff & Susan,” has grown into something that reaches beyond just the two of us. Through our Entertainers Academy, we’ve had the chance to support fellow independent artists on their own paths. Through the Piano Ladies nonprofit, we’ve come together with other women to create space, encouragement, and community. And through our music, we’ve simply tried to bring people a little more joy, connection, and meaning — wherever we go.

And personally, I’m proud that I healed. That I chose health, love, and purpose over chaos. That I created a life where I wake up excited — and I go to sleep knowing I’m living in alignment with who I really am.

What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your career?

I want to leave behind a legacy that proves independent women in music can lead, innovate, and thrive — without compromising who they are. I hope my journey inspires others to create their own lanes, take bold risks, and build something that lasts. I want women to see what's possible when you own your story and trust your voice.

I also hope to see Cliff & Susan become a household name — not just as a country duo, but as a brand that represents authenticity, connection, and creative freedom. We’re building something bigger than ourselves, and the dream is to take that to the global stage while never forgetting where we came from. We hope to always make Arkansas proud.

Open Mic: Is there anything else AMP readers should know about you or your work?

I’m proud to call Arkansas home. From growing up on my family’s farm in Magnet Cove to performing on international stages, the values I learned here — hard work, hospitality, and heart — have guided me every step of the way. Everything I do, I carry Arkansas with me.

My roots run deep in this state. My parents, married 51 years, have dedicated their lives to health care and community service. Their example shaped my commitment to purpose-driven work. My brother, Dr. Ethan Erwin, owns and operates Smile Hot Springs, where he combines artistry and compassion as a leader in cosmetic and general dentistry. My brother Dillon Erwin owns Arkansas Home Report Inspection, helping families feel safe and confident in their homes. I’m so proud of my nieces and nephews, who are growing up with the same values we were raised on — faith, family, and doing right by others. My in-laws have become a cornerstone in our lives and marriage, offering wisdom, support, and a shared sense of purpose that keeps us grounded, especially in this fast-paced music and business world.

Today, I stay deeply involved in our state’s creative and business communities. Through our boutique marketing agency, I help promote local festivals, events, and small businesses. I believe in lifting up the voices, talent, and stories that make Arkansas special.

Whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes, I’m passionate about creating experiences that bring people together and help our state shine. #WPS

Thank You for Reading

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to walk through this journey with me. Sharing these moments means the world, and I hope my story inspires you to keep chasing what sets your soul on fire.

Explore more of my work — music, art, podcasts, and projects — at my Linktree. I’d love to stay connected. https://linktr.ee/susanerwinprowse

With gratitude,

Susan Erwin Prowse

P.S. Here's the link to the AMP feature. ❤️